Life — July 15, 1920 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Michelin Tire Advertisement (Not Political Satire) This is a **product advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Michelin Tubes, specifically their "ring-shaped" design for oversized tire casings. The image uses visual contrast—a tiny figure (the famous Michelin Man mascot, identifiable by his wrapped/segmented appearance) stands next to enormous tire tubes to emphasize their size. The advertisement explains that Michelin tubes are designed to fit snugly in oversized casings without wrinkling, addressing a practical problem for motorists buying "Cord Tires, which are nearly all 'oversize'." This is straightforward commercial messaging from Michelin's New Jersey headquarters, emphasizing manufacturing superiority to consumers. The "satire" magazine context simply means *Life* published advertisements alongside humorous content.